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DOT physical exam

DOT Physical Exams

The Department of Transportation requires all Commercial Drivers License (CDL) holders to receive periodic physical examinations, officially called a “Department of Transportation Medical Examination,” to ensure the ability of the driver to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Who Needs a DOT Physical?

You are required to have a physical exam and carry a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate if:

You operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, in interstate commerce.

You operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between nine and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from your regular work-reporting location, in interstate commerce.

CDL holders (Drivers) must have 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. Glasses or contact lenses are permitted.

Drivers cannot be a diabetic on needle-injected insulin; diabetes controlled through a diet or oral medication is permitted.

A driver’s blood pressure must be under 160/100. Prescription medication to control blood pressure is permitted.

Use of a Schedule 1 drug, amphetamine, narcotic or any other habit forming drug is not permitted.

If a driver has a current diagnosis of cardiac insufficiency, collapse, congestive cardiac failure or any other cardiovascular disease, he/she will be required to provide the Medical Examiner with a stress test (performed within the last 12 months) along with a release from the driver’s physician stating that he/she can drive a commercial motor vehicle without restrictions.

The Department of Transportation also requires clearance for drivers that have been diagnosed with the following conditions: sleep apnea, recent back injury, recent major surgery, a current hernia, or have had recent workers’ compensation claims.